“Natural Colors in the Food Industry: Innovations and Trends in Clean Label Products”
Natural colors play a vital role in the food industry. Although the widespread adoption of clean label products by consumer packaged goods (CPGs) has taken longer than expected, consumer demand for such items remains strong. A 2021 survey conducted by the International Food Information Council revealed that nearly two-thirds of adults believe the ingredients in food and beverage products significantly influence their purchasing decisions. The push to create pigments with fewer chemicals continues to thrive, fueled by innovative companies in this sector.
GNT Group has been expanding its plant-based Exberry lineup, which is made from fruits, vegetables, and edible plants, to include a broader array of colors, such as green hues derived from spirulina algae and turmeric. Spirulina is also at the core of Israeli startup Gavan, which has developed a natural blue coloring and plans to commence commercial production in early 2023. Founded in 2018, Phytolon has raised $20.1 million to date, as reported by Crunchbase. What sets its production process apart is the unique method of creating natural colors through precision fermentation of betalain pigments, which are commonly found in natural coloring sources like red beetroots and prickly pears. This method allows for the efficient production of large quantities of natural colors at a lower cost compared to traditional extraction from raw materials. Ginkgo Bioworks supports Phytolon by providing in-kind services through its foundry platform, which aids companies in developing organisms that meet their product needs. Earlier this year, the biotech firm announced a partnership with Phytolon aimed at scaling the company and enhancing its connections within the ingredient sector.
Steve Dubin, who leads Phytolon’s board of directors, has a background with DSM, having served as CEO of Martek Biosciences—acquired by DSM in 2011—and as a senior advisor for DSM Nutritional Products. His extensive experience with biotech companies was instrumental in facilitating the recent funding round, according to Phytolon’s press release. “I believe this investment round and DSM’s involvement will expedite the commercialization of Phytolon’s sustainable food color palette, benefiting both food producers and consumers,” Dubin stated. Royal DSM’s interest in Phytolon follows its recent $21 billion merger with Firmenich. In a press release, DSM indicated that its new food and beverage ingredients division will focus on natural, clean-label, and sustainable products—three characteristics that align well with Phytolon’s offerings. DSM can leverage its existing network to help Phytolon connect with CPGs and distributors, potentially enhancing the reach of innovative products, including those that utilize calcium citrate forms for improved stability and functionality in food applications.
